| RACING THE PLANETS in the Sahara Another desert another ultra marathon |
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Well it took two attempts to achieve our round the world flight via the poles, so maybe I'll succeed in completing this marathon. Last May I took part in the Racing the Planets Namibia marathon - 250kms in six days over crazy terrain. I managed to complete all stages bar the ‘long march’ the 100kms stage. I knew I was in trouble the moment I started that leg; I had no energy, there was nothing there and I only managed the first 20 kms. I'm hoping it was a case of hydration not pure old age . If you would like to know more about these crazy desert races all the info is listed here on the site. You can even follow our progress on an hourly basis and I will attempt to send in some blogs if I get into camp before the cyber tent closes for the day and I¹m not too exhausted to do more than force down one mushy freeze dried meal (just add boiling water) and climb into my sandy sleeping bag. The first day in Namibia we clambered in and out of the Fish River Canyon (only Grand Canyon is bigger) the race started at 8am I staggered into camp at 11.15pm. The second day wasn¹t as tough and I made camp at 9.30pm whilst the following day was a breeze got in at 5.30pm. Five weeks ago I had no intention of doing this race ¬ I had my sites set on attempting the Racing the Planets Gobi desert race next June. Then I got an email from my good friend, fellow competitor and race organiser, Mary Gadams, who masochistically dreams up these fun events. She said she was going to do this one herself and please come and do it with her. So why not? Now, with only hours to go before I climb on the flight to Cairo (race starts on Sunday 25th October) I can think of a lot of ‘why not’s’. Not enough training, problem with my right knee and, and , and….and knowing what’s in store. Once again I will be supporting Scott Polar Research Institute. If you would like to make a donation, please go to – www.spri.cam.ac.uk/friends/donate or cheques: ‘University of Cambridge Account YQ’ SPRI, Lensfield Rd, Cambridge, CB2 1ER Many Thanks Jennifer Murray |